BULGARIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1916, Page 5

BULGARIA.

WOULD RELISH PEACE. GERMANY'S TIGHT GRIP. Berne, .January 2, There are indications that, under favorable terms ot' peace in regard to the "freeing" of Macedonia, Bulgaria is now willing to lay down ner arms (writes the New York Evening Post's correspondent). Because of German pressure from behind, and existing agreements with the remaining Central Powers, Bulgaria cannot, however, at present deviate from the course which has teen mapped out for her The freeing of Macedonia, from the Bulgarian point of view, means the acquisition by Bulgaria of that territory Several days ago, after being detained for some time by the authorities, your, correspondent got permission to leave the Bulgarian lines and come northward. It was then impossible to send written matter across the border; experience showed that even mail censored by the military authorities was lost. Smuggling is to-day unusually dangerous, and usually not successful.

At the time I left Sofia a reaction was observable in contrast to the enthusiasm with which the "Prussia of the Balkans," as Bulgaria has been called, start•i;l out to crush Rervia. Having accomplished this object, neutral observers are isking, "How long will Bulgaria conffinue to fight?" How extensive a part it ill .she take in coming operations?" These are questions of the moment iB die Balkan puzzle. RADOSLAVOFF'S VIEWS. With the help of the German steam roller Bulgaria has attained her primary object, the practical annihilation of Servia. The capture of Monastir and Strumitza has cleared Servla as well as Macedonia of the enemy. A large, part if King Ferdinand's army is massed along the Greek border. There remain the English and French in Greece, falling back on Salonika, where the final scrimmage will be held. Towards France and England Bulgaria has no innate hostility, and from their defeat nothing lirectly to gain. In the course of an interview of which I have written, Dr. V. Radoslavoc, the Bulgarian Prime Minister, said to your correspondent:— "When Macedonia has been freed from Servian yoke, Bulgarian soldiers will be willing to return to their homes. Bulgarian forces will not fight on Turkish soil, and under no circumstance will they join in a German expedition to Egypt."

The Premier's statement is in harmony with the words attributed to King Ferdinand of Bulgaria. When, at the time of Bulgaria's entrance Ifito the war of nations, the French and English Ministers were given safe conduct froni Sofia, Ferdinand is reported to have said to the French Minister;

"French blood flows in my veins. I ftdmire asd like the French. My army does not wish to fight, them. But I hive told my soldiers that if, in the course of events,.they meet with French in battle, they are to do their duty aR Bulgarian soldiers and fight to the last drop that is in tlieni. If your Government wishes to know why I have chosen my course, say to them, 'Germany is invincible.' "

By a few neutrals who have been allowed in Bulgaria, it is believed thai both these statements are indicative oi official feeling, and, perhaps, prophetic of the future. There are also indications that the rank and file has wearied of fighting for the mere sake of fighting. Bulgaria, having turned Servia into a second Belgium, has no desire for further campaigning, even though she may be forced into it. She will fight Servia, and perhaps Italy in Albania, agaiii3i which country, however, she professes, according to Premier Radoslavoff, to have no "territorial designs." On the other hand, whatever may bo Bulgaria's present desires, it is doubtful if she can, for some time at least, break away from the programme laid down for her. A neutral who, on the day oi my arrival in Sofia, explained why Bulgaria was fighting, was not so far from th» truth. "There are three good reasons why Bulgaria entered the war," he said. "First, because Germany wanted her to; secondly, because Germany wanted her to; and, lastly, because Germany wanted her to."

CATARRH AND DEAFNESS With motors and trams yrhizziu,. .hrougli the streets, sufferers Iron. '.'atariUnl deafuese run considerabh risks. The Kevd. W. H. Hiuton tspeak. highly of Flueuzol for Catarrh aud as i means of clearing the ear passages While lying down pour, at intervals, a teaspoonful of Fluenzol into each nostril. * LAME BACK. There is 110 need of anyone suffering from a lame back, as prompt relief may be had by applying Chamberlain's Pain Balm and massaging the parts vigorously at each application. Lame back is caused by rheumatism of the muscles of the back and for muscular rheumatism in any form, Chamberlain's Pain Balm , has no superior. Try it and you will jj« sonvtaaed. Sold everywhere ✓